Kailash Gahlot resigns as Delhi transport minister, quits AAP

Delhi’s Transport Minister and senior AAP leader Kailash Gahlot on Sunday resigned from the party's primary membership and the Council of Ministers, citing unfulfilled promises and recent controversies.

In his resignation letter addressed to Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi CM Atishi, Gahlot expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s performance and direction.

“We promised the people a cleaner Yamuna, but we have failed to deliver on that commitment,” Gahlot wrote, referring to a key election pledge. He said the inability to fulfil promises had left him disillusioned.

Gahlot, who held multiple portfolios including transport, administrative reforms, IT, home, and women & child development, also criticised the controversies surrounding the party’s leadership.

Referring to the issue of Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, which has been dubbed "Sheeshmahal" by critics, Gahlot said, “There are several embarrassing and bizarre issues like Sheeshmahal, which have now led people to question whether we still believe in being the party of the common man.”

The continuous power struggle between the Delhi government and the central government was another major factor in his decision. Gahlot lamented the frequent clashes, saying, “It is now clear that if the Delhi government spends most of its time fighting with the Centre, real progress for Delhi is not possible.”

Concluding his letter, Gahlot said he felt compelled to step away from the party. “I find myself left with no option but to step away from AAP; and therefore, I am resigning from the primary membership of the party,” he wrote.